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Introduction to rotor aerodynamics and blade design

Wind power is now the fastest growing sector of the world’s electrical power industries. This two day course explains how to optimise the aerodynamic design of the wind turbine blades, a key factor behind that success.

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Training Information

course offer:

This course is available on request

Additional information
The course starts with a review of rotor aerodynamics theory; momentum as well as airfoil modelling are introduced, followed by a discussion of the airfoils commonly used in the wind industry. Based on this theory, the general approach to rotor aerodynamics design, as implemented in many modern codes, and the DNV GL specific approach that uses Bladed are then explained.

Extra attention is given to the aerodynamic design of challenging blade root and tip regions. The blade is much more than just aerodynamics; aero-elastic stability and the interaction between aerodynamic design, blade structure and system loads using conceptual, yet powerful, relations are also analysed.

Building on this, the process to design blades for lowest Cost of Energy is then discussed. Other advanced course topics included are an introduction into three-dimensional, unsteady potential flow solvers for rotors and a review of the aerodynamic features of selected commercial blades.

The course combines the in-depth discussions with ample opportunity for practise through Bladed demos and hands-on workshops on airfoil modelling and blade aerodynamic design. DNV GL has assumed that attendees will have a basic engineering degree.

Course outline:

Day 1

Aero theory: introduction to rotor aerodynamics

Aero theory: Blade element momentum model

Workshop: BEM code

Aero theory: aerodynamics of aerofoils

Rotor aero design: airfoil selection, design and testing

Workshop: XFOIL

Aero theory: the optimum rotor

Q & A session

Day 2

Rotor aero design: blade optimization with a BEM code

Workshop: rotor aerodynamic design

Aero theory: potential flow methods and RANS models

Rotor aero design: aeroelastic stability

Workshop: aeroelastic stability

Rotor aero design: advanced – tip and root design

Rotor aero design: practical guidance

Q & A session

Who should attend?
Industry professionals wishing to deepen their knowledge on blade design; individuals or companies involved in, or aspiring to venture into, turbine / blade design, such as: Turbine Designers / Design Engineers, Product and R&D Managers, Blade Manufacturing and Production Designers, and Blade Structural Designers; and any other professionals who wish to benefit from DNV GL’s technical knowledge.